Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-02-23

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu claims that if a solution to the Cyprus problem is not possible, they have other ways

[02] Ozersay comments on the Republic of Cyprus' EU term presidency

[03] Kucuk says they will start land drilling for oil within two months

[04] Talat accused Eroglu of being responsible for the delay of the Cyprus negotiation talks and stated that he considers returning back to active politics

[05] Ozgurgun criticized harshly Archbishop Chrysostomos II's statements on the restoration of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery

[06] Eroglu will travel to Istanbul to deliver a speech

[07] The Turkish Cypriot press continues to show its dissatisfaction for the improvement of Cyprus-Israel relations

[08] Turkish Minister Yildirim is illegally visiting the occupation regime; The "e-TRNC" workshop to be launched tomorrow

[09] So-called minister Ustel met with the "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry"; Foreign entrepreneurs from Turkey and the Arab countries are invited to the occupied area

[10] Davutoglu discussed the Cyprus problem among other topics with Ban Ki-moon

[11] Turkey will initiate nuclear talks with China

[12] Istanbul Conference on Mediation

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Reports that CHP has tabled a draft law to the Constitutional Court against the MIT law, Davutoglu's meeting with the UN Secretary-General, with whom he discussed among others and the Cyprus problem, reports that Turkey is to host in June an international conference on the Kurdish problem and statements by Turkey's Defence Minister that Turkey is to buy 100 F35 war planes are some of the main stories covered by today's Turkish press.

[01] Eroglu claims that if a solution to the Cyprus problem is not possible, they have other ways

Eroglu briefed yesterday a delegation from the TMT so-called fighters' association on the Cyprus negotiations.

Eroglu claimed that it is not possible for all the Greek Cypriot refugees to return back and argued that in the meantime a "state" was established and a socioeconomic structure was created in the occupied north part of the island.

Eroglu said that he is aware of what he represents at the negotiating table and what kind of solution is expected from him. He said that if an agreement with which the Turkish Cypriot "people" will be able to live in peace and security on their land is possible, they will search for this agreement, but if this is not possible they have other ways and the will to search for these ways.

Eroglu alleged that there was no imposition by Turkey on them during the negotiations. He noted: "We prepare our views and our thoughts, we are carrying out the negotiations having a dialogue [Translator's note: with Turkey]. Of course we continue to be in dialogue, but there is no imposition on us by Turkey in the negotiations, as some believe".

Arguing that Turkey is "TRNC's", [Translator's note: breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus] motherland, Eroglu claimed that neither they could abandon Turkey nor Turkey could abandon them. He alleged that there could be no "TRNC" without Turkey and therefore they struggle for years to carry their relations with Turkey to the "warmest point".

Eroglu claimed also that Turkey's moving away from the "TRNC" would be dangerous for the future of the Turkish Cypriots and that the "TRNC" needs Turkey's aid in order to be able to stand on its own feet.

Noting that the people living in Turkey are their brothers, Eroglu, argued: "Those who come here are also our Turkish brothers. Therefore, it is dangerous for our future to create problems between the two peoples, to try to create problems among the people who came in different times from different areas [Translator's note: illegal Turkish settlers who came to the occupied area of Cyprus from Turkey after 1974 Turkish invasion]?"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozersay comments on the Republic of Cyprus' EU term presidency

Commenting on the visit of President Christofias and various Cypriot Ministers to Brussels within the framework of the Republic of Cyprus' overtaking the EU term presidency on 1 July 2012, Ozersay told Anatolia news agency that the "Greek Cypriots' term presidency" will be tantamount to repeating the mistake made in 2004 when Cyprus joined the EU without a solution to the Cyprus problem. He "warned" the international actors "who do not exhibit any courage" that "they will make the non-solution on the island permanent".

Ozersay called on the EU officials, by taking concrete and reasonable steps in the direction of the solution of the Cyprus problem without delay, to encourage the Greek Cypriot side for reconciliation. Ozersay alleged that what we need now is for the international actors to show to the Greek Cypriot side that it has some concrete things to lose in case of non-solution.

Ozersay noted that when they meet with EU officials they tell them that they can do nothing, in spite of the fact that these officials allegedly accept that they had committed a mistake in 2004 and that this damaged the solution process in Cyprus. Ozersay said that they receive the same reaction when they remind these officials of the promises given on the issue of ending the so-called isolations of the Turkish Cypriots. He then argued that the EU gives the impression of "an impotent organization".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Kucuk says they will start land drilling for oil within two months

In statements yesterday before the meeting of his "council of ministers" in the occupied part of Lefkosia, Kucuk said that it is not possible for them to accept efforts to prevent Turkish Petroleum Corporation's (TPAO) explorations in occupied Syngrasi area by showing as excuse the cutting of some trees. Kucuk argued that the cutting of some trees should not be compared with harming the economic interests of the "country". He said they are following the "unilateral" oil explorations of "south Cyprus", as he described the Republic of Cyprus' oil explorations, and the preparations for inviting the second round of tenders for new fields in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone.

Kucuk argued that the underground resources of the island are common and such explorations should be carried out jointly after an agreement on the Cyprus problem is achieved. Kucuk recalled that the regime has signed agreements with TPAO for oil explorations in the sea and on the land of occupied Cyprus and added that TPAO continues intensively its preparations for oil explorations on the land of occupied Cyprus.

Kucuk said that they annually plant 1-1.5 million trees and described the reactions to prevent TPAO's works "showing as pretext some trees" as "unjust".

Meanwhile, referring to the same statements, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (23.02.12) reports that Kucuk said that 2011 was a very brilliant year for breakaway regime's tourism and that for the first time the accommodations in the hotels without casinos exceeded the accommodations in the hotels with casinos. He noted that this was a successful year on the issue of the chartered flights and that this worried the Greek Cypriots, who exerted great efforts in the countries from where these flights are held to spoil the agreements signed by the regime.

Kucuk said that they conveyed the problem to Ankara and met with Foreign Minister Davutoglu in the past asking him to undertake some initiatives. Kucuk noted that they had positive results from three of these initiatives. Kucuk said that they faced a similar problem during the past few days and added that last night he held a telephone conversation with Davutoglu who was in the United States. He noted that they received the information that after this telephone call positive developments happened for the solution of this problem and expressed the hope that the efforts of the Greek Cypriots will have no result in 2012 as well.

Responding to a question, Kucuk said that the land to be given to a Turkish foundation for the construction of a complex of buildings adjacent to a mosque in occupied Mia Milia area is around 190 donums [Translator's note: a land measure of around 1,000 square meters] and not 90 donums as it was published in the press yesterday. He said: "I saw this news. I do not have such information. As far as I know the works there will be carried out in the entire area. An area of about 190 donums is on the agenda and this is the sum of it".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Talat accused Eroglu of being responsible for the delay of the Cyprus negotiation talks and stated that he considers returning back to active politics

Characterizing as extremely chaotic the recent developments in the "country", Talat said that he is thinking to return back to the active political life, and said that he is at the people's service.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Talat supported that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem and the extension of the process would be the reason for the Turkish Cypriots to suffer more.

Pointing out that it is the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu who is the responsible for the extension of the negotiation process, Talat expressed his worries for the process to be extended until 2013.

As regards the project related to fuel storage facilities planned by the regime at occupied Eptakomi village in Karpassia peninsula area, Talat said that he does not believe likely for this project to be able to get implemented, adding that even if it does got implemented, it will be impossible to work.

Commenting on the reactions expressed for the 200- donum of land in occupied Mia Milia where the regime will establish a complex of buildings adjacent to a mosque in that area, Talat accused the so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk that he wants to turn the education of the country into a "mosque centre".

(AK)

[05] Ozgurgun criticized harshly Archbishop Chrysostomos II's statements on the restoration of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery

Ozgurgun criticized the statements made by Archbishop Chrysostomos II on the restoration of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery in the occupied peninsula of Karpassia.

Ozgurgun accused the Archbishop of making remarks not appropriate for a religious figure, adding: "He has said he will assume the full duty of restoring the Apostolos Andreas Monastery without obtaining a permit. He has called on the Greek Cypriots not to visit the Monastery until restoration took place."

Ozgurgun claimed that Archbishop Chrysostomos II's remarks do not represent the reality, arguing that the only individual responsible for not renovating the Apostolos Andreas Monastery until today was the Archbishop himself who exerted great efforts to block all projects designed to renovate the Monastery in the past.

Ozgurgun claimed that the Archbishop constantly told the world that the Apostolos Andreas Monastery facade is getting ruined, arguing: "The fact that he preferred to see the Monastery get ruined instead of getting restored by the Turkish Cypriots and his comments that the Monastery is not facing the possibility of getting ruined shows his insincerity. As in many issues, we see with sadness that Archbishop Chrysostomos uses the issue of cultural heritage as a tool for politics."

[06] Eroglu will travel to Istanbul to deliver a speech

Eroglu will give information about the course of the negotiations process at the conference entitled: "The past, the present and the future of the Cyprus negotiations".

He will also provide information about the future of the process and will answer questions. He will return to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on Monday.

[07] The Turkish Cypriot press continues to show its dissatisfaction for the improvement of Cyprus-Israel relations

According to the paper, an Israeli businessman named Yuda Mizrahi was sent to the island by the Israeli Government in 1999 and was assigned to find land in the occupied area of Cyprus. Mizrahi has allegedly undertaken the duty of being advisor and coordinator of Israeli businessmen, who buy land in the occupied area of Cyprus. According to Haberdar, this person lives in the occupied area of Cyprus and often changes his name. In Turkey he reportedly uses the name "Yuda Gundogu" and in the occupied area of Cyprus he changes his name into "Aslan Gundogu".

The paper argues that Mizrahi has established two companies in the occupied area of Cyprus and he is advisor of a firm named Dan-Ya. It is alleged that he informs Israel on the value of land in the occupied area of Cyprus. Noting that it acquired this information from reliable sources, the paper publishes pictures during a service held at a synagogue in a house at occupied Karavas village, in Keryneia area.

In the past Haberdar had reported that Israel begun implementing a gradual plan for the settlement of Israelis in Cyprus after the referendum on the Annan Plan in 2004.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (23.02.12) publishes today the names of the companies administrated by Israeli businessmen in the occupied area of Cyprus. In the past, the paper had reported that Israelis established 114 companies in occupied Cyprus and purchased land.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Turkish Minister Yildirim is illegally visiting the occupation regime; The "e-TRNC" workshop to be launched tomorrow

As the paper writes, the so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk, self-styled minister of communication and transportation Ersan Saner and the Turkish Minister of Transportation and Communication Binali Yildirim will be among those to deliver speeches during the workshop.

The participants at the workshop will deliver speeches related to the efforts exerted by the occupation regime to implement an automation project in a number of "government departments and offices".

(AK)

[09] So-called minister Ustel met with the "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry"; Foreign entrepreneurs from Turkey and the Arab countries are invited to the occupied area

According to a written statement made by the so-called ministry, Ustel stated that during the meeting with the delegation, they discussed the problems that the industry sector in the "country" faces. He said that the solution of the Cyprus problem would be beneficial for the "country's economy".

Ustel further said that they are exerting efforts for the spreading of the use of the domestic products, adding that they particularly support the use of domestic products in the hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus.

In his turn, Cirali, inter alia, said that they had developed a project in order to be able to have contacts with foreign entrepreneurs, with the aim to be able to promote their domestic products abroad. Cirali added that they invited to the "TRNC" a 200 strong group of entrepreneurs from Turkey and Arab countries, so as to implement their project.

Pointing out that in order to be able to implement this project they need a financial support, Ustel asked from so-called minister Ustel to support the project financially.

Also speaking, Ustel expressed the belief that the project of the "chamber" to invite foreign entrepreneurs in the "country" would be very beneficial and added that together with the coordination of the "foreign ministry", they will establish a "committee" for the implementation of the project.

(AK)

[10] Davutoglu discussed the Cyprus problem among other topics with Ban Ki-moon

UN spokesman's office stated: "Their discussions focused on developments in Syria. The Secretary-General said he appreciated Turkey's role in pressing for a solution to the crisis and for providing assistance and shelter to refugees. He said the international community's greatest challenge was the violence on the ground in Syria and the need to stop it."

"They also discussed Somalia, Cyprus, the Alliance of Civilizations and the Middle East Peace Process," added the UN press release.

[11] Turkey will initiate nuclear talks with China

"We will start the talks with Chinese authorities and officials regarding nuclear energy," said Babacan responding to the questions of journalists after the Turkish-Chinese Business Forum which was also attended by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping.

Noting that Turkey has a target of having a total of three nuclear power plants by 2023, he said: "The talks would focus on building the country's third plant in Igneada, a small town in the northern province of Kirklareli".

"Whether talks with the Chinese authorities would be for the third or the second power plant depends on the developments of our talks with Japan," said Babacan, adding that the country had recently restarted negotiations with South Korea as well.

"Our doors are wide open for Chinese banks as long as the Chinese banks would fully comply with the criteria of the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency [BRSA]," said Babacan noting that authorities in both countries were working on licensing the applications.

The Bank of China had already opened an Istanbul office, Babacan said, adding that it would be beneficial to open a Turkish bank in China by Ziraat Bank [state-owned] or any other bank to operate in China.

BRSA officials will start talks with Chinese authorities regarding the issue, he concluded.

"Turkish and Chinese companies signed 29 business and trade deals worth $1.4 billion," said Xi at the Forum organized by the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM).

"Turkey has become an attractive dynamic of its region, playing an active role in regional issues," said Xi, addressing Chinese and Turkish businessmen. There has been a remarkable increase in trade volume between the two counties, Xi added.

In the last 10 years, Chinese firms signed construction deals exceeding $10 billion in Turkey, he said, adding that Turkey and China should be working toward strengthening their "strategic cooperation".

China Machinery Engineering Corporation and Yildirim Energy signed a deal worth $2.8 billion for building 200 megawatt thermal plants in the southeastern province of Elazig.

The Export Import Bank of China signed an agreement to provide $70 million for Global Investment's $100 million project to build four bulk carriers with a capacity of 35,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) with Avic Weihai Shipyard. Also, China Development Bank Cooperation granted $5 billion for Turk Telekom's network expansion project.

"Trade relations with China are very important for us, but this seems to be a one-sided love," said Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan at the meeting, noting the increasing trade deficit that Turkey posts.

Turkey and China aim to reach a total of $50 billion bilateral trade volume by 2015 and $100 billion by 2020.

Turkey's exports to China rose to $2.46 billion last year from $2.26 billion, while imports from China jumped to $21.7 billion last year from $17.1 billion.

[12] Istanbul Conference on Mediation

/EI

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